what really works to keep kittens/ cats off countertops?

[Anonymous]

We have an 8 month old kitten who keeps jumping up on our kitchen countertops. We have to be good about not leaving food out - even in containers - because he will pull it onto the floor and start biting into it. We clap loudly, scream NOOO, physically move him, but nothing seems to be working. I'm on the verge of buying a squirt gun but I know that's not the most appropriate method. But he also walks right across our range top and I'm worried one of these days it will still be hot and he will get hurt. Has anyone found anything that works to keep their cat off the kitchen counters?

[Anonymous]

So gross. Spray him with water.

[Anonymous]

squirt gun or spray bottle. You'll only need to use a few times, most likely.

[Anonymous]

Stepping on a hot stovetop might convince him it's a bad idea.

Short of that - squirt bottle. I've seen a motion-activated one that would work whether you are there to catch him or not. Or cover your counters with something really uncomfortable to step on, like aluminum foil or one of those rubber mats with poky fingers.

[Anonymous]

clap twice loudly, it worked for us. be consistent

[Anonymous]

Not having cats.

[Anonymous]

We tried aluminum foil with our maine coon kittens. It didn't work

[Anonymous]

We had to partition off our kitchen with a tall room divider.

[Anonymous]

Only people with cats respond should respond
np

[Anonymous]

Make it very boring. Make it smell bad to cats. I think they dislike lemon and maybe oranges.

Double sided sticky tape on cardboard left on the counter. It doesn’t feel good to have cardboard stuck to your paws, so I’ve heard.

[Anonymous]

Forget it. He’s a cat.

[Anonymous]

Scat mat is a reasonably effective tool.

[Anonymous]

You lost this battle the day you got the cat. Ask me how I know.

[Anonymous]

Motion detector bottle that noisily spurts air. Bought it at the pet store and it works great.

[Anonymous]

OP it’s not mean to use the spray bottle. Be consistent and remember you’re doing this for both the cat’s safety and your sanity.